Westchester condo renovation: designer finds family amidst chaos
For designer Stephanie Perez O’Boyle, a 1980s condo in Westchester County, New York, wasn't just a renovation project—it was a lifeline. Just nine months pregnant, she and her husband impulsively bought the property, a decision that plunged them into a three-year odyssey of design and parenthood.
From blank canvas to personal story
The initial space presented a challenge: dated finishes and an awkward layout. But Perez O’Boyle, founder of Stephanie Perez Studio, saw potential. She reimagined the home's footprint, transforming two bedrooms into three, all while navigating the demands of a growing family.
The renovation became deeply personal. Daily site meetings, sketching cabinetry with a baby in tow, and sourcing materials created a unique rhythm. Custom millwork, crafted by her father-in-law, injected the character the condo lacked—a blend of coastal Americana and European influences, informed by memories of Newport, England, Spain, Portugal, and her grandmother's home in Colombia.
The kitchen, once a cramped galley, became a central hub, with a custom pine island and European-inspired tiles. A dining nook, featuring a vintage English farm table, offered a cozy spot for family meals.
Designing for life’s moments
The living room, designed for play and relaxation, incorporates vintage finds and ample seating. The son's bedroom reflects his passions—dinosaurs, sailboats, baseball, and hockey—with a curated collection of cherished items. The daughter’s nursery, born at the end of the renovation, balances nostalgia with modern design, featuring a Junie B. Jones-inspired aesthetic and a Grimm’s Fairy Tales light fixture.
The primary bedroom prioritizes serenity, with layered drapery and calming neutrals. Even the kids’ bathroom, initially a guest space, evolved into a sophisticated jewel box with fern wallpaper and unlacquered brass fixtures.
Perez O’Boyle’s approach isn’t about creating a perfect space, but rather one that reflects a family’s story. She embraces the unplanned moments—the late-night bottle washes, the impromptu auction wins—that shaped the home’s character.
Her firm, established in 2021, has quickly gained recognition, with her work featured in House Beautiful and other national publications. Perez O’Boyle’s designs aren't just aesthetically pleasing; they are testaments to resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of home.
She emphasizes that good design isn’t just about how a room looks; it's defined by circumstance and intention. The home tells their story in a way no other place ever could—a sentiment that resonates deeply in a world increasingly seeking authenticity.
Word count: 427